The Senate has challenged Prof. Attahiru Jega to prove with empirical evidence, the blanket bribery allegation he levelled against members of the National Assembly, with particular reference to chairmen of committees.

Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had alleged that committee chairmen of the National Assembly were notorious for bribe-taking in the course of carrying out their oversight functions.

The Senate, which was highly agitated by the comment of the former university don, tasked Jega to courageously mention names of the people involved in the bribery scandal or swallow his allegation.

The decision of the Chamber followed an adopted order 43 moved by senator Misau Isah representing Bauchi central, drawing the attention of the lawmakers to the comment of the former INEC boss.

Misau said: “Mr. President, I come under order 43. I want to recall that on the democracy Day, Prof. Attahiru Jega accused all lawmakers and particularly the National Assembly committee chairmen of asking for and taking bribe while carrying out their oversight functions.

“I take exceptions to it and would want the Professor to mention those he knew were involved. It is by so doing that we can be upright in the fight against corruption in this country”.

Isah also said that his privileges were breached while also lamenting that he was highly embarrassed by the unsubstantiated allegation by Jega.

In his remark, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, however, underscored the need for the erudite university don to substantiate his allegation, warning eminent stakeholders in Nigeria to be wary of their comments, to avoid putting the country in a false light before the world. (New Telegraph)

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